New posts could be restricted at the James Cook hospital

The North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust has already halted recruitment at its flagship sites in Stockton and Hartlepool, amid debts of �4m.

Now neighbouring South Tees NHS Trust is considering a similar move at the James Cook site in Middlesbrough.

Union officials have expressed concern and say they are monitoring the situation and any effects on services.

The South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust has an estimated deficit of �25m.

'Staff pressures'

It says it wants to save �9m from its �180m staffing costs, by introducing a freeze on new posts and restricting the use of agency staff.

Trust bosses were due to meet on Tuesday to discuss the situation.

Public service union Unison says it is concerned at the move.

Liz Twist, head of health for the union, said: "What we are talking about here is patient care and strain on other staff.

"I think any kind of vacancy freeze will put some pressures on other staff and on services to patients.

"This is something that has to be monitored really carefully and we need to see an end to this moratorium as soon as possible.

"We could quite easily get to staffing levels that are incredibly stretched. So we will be watching the situation very carefully."